Postdoctoral Researcher in Polymer/Polysaccharide Chemistry (M/F)

Job Description

Missions

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to join a cutting-edge project focused on developing bio-inspired thin film composite (TFC) membranes for proton transport in proton exchange membrane (PEM) applications. Inspired by the rapid, reversible, and selective transport mechanisms of biological protein channels, this project aims to engineer membranes that enable efficient proton conduction while maintaining mechanical robustness and chemical stability—critical for applications in fuel cells, electrolysis, and other energy technologies.
The project will leverage amphiphilic polymers as artificial proton channels, embedded in a crosslinked polyamide matrix. The polymers will be chemically tailored to facilitate selective proton transport. The successful candidate will contribute to the synthesis, characterization, and optimization of these membranes, with the goal of achieving high proton conductivity, and durability.

Activity

Key responsibilities :

Synthesis of Proton-Conducting Polymers:
- Design and synthesize amphiphilic polymers functionalized with proton-conducting groups (to enable efficient proton transport.
- Optimize the molecular architecture and functionalization to enhance proton conductivity and selectivity.

Fabrication of TFC Membranes:
-Develop interfacial polymerization protocols to embed proton-conducting polymers in a crosslinked polyamide matrix.
- Explore alternative chemistries (e.g., thiol-ene click reactions) to tailor matrix properties for improved proton transport and mechanical stability.

Characterization and Validation:
- Perform precise living polymerization methods and precisely characterize molecular structure of macromolecules obtained (combination of SEC. kinetic studies, and spectroscopy).
- Assess proton conductivity, selectivity, and durability of TFC membranes using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, fuel cell testing, and per-extraction setups.

Your Profil

Skills

Qualifications required:
• PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Strong background in polymer synthesis, polymer characterization.
• Proficiency in analytical techniques (e.g., chromatography, spectroscopy, microscopy).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

Your Work Environment

The postdoctoral researcher will work within the Centre de Recherche sur les Macromolécules Végétales (CERMAV), a CNRS research unit located on the university campus in Grenoble. Our laboratory has a strong interdisciplinary culture, bringing together expertise in chemistry, physical chemistry, biology, and materials science. This integrated approach has enabled the laboratory to establish a prominent international position in key research areas related to sugars (mono-, oligo-, and polysaccharides), including their in vivo and in vitro synthesis, characterization, as well as their functions and applications in addressing major societal challenges in human health, new energy technologies, and materials of the future.

The work will be carried out in close collaboration with several CERMAV researchers and engineers whose complementary expertise encompasses the recombinant production of enzymes, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides; the structural and macromolecular characterization of polysaccharides using NMR spectroscopy and chromatography; radiation scattering techniques; microscopy; and rheometry. The project is funded by CNRS Chemistry.

Constraints and risks

NA

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

From €3,041 gross per month, depending on experience and the CNRS salary scale currently in effect.

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

The research professions